On Sunday, May 18, 2008, many pastors across the nation will be participating in the UCC's Sacred Conversation on Race.
The UCC is calling for this national dialogue in order to foster understanding, healing and unity in our churches and communities. While much has been said during the past few weeks about the Rev. Jeremiah A Wright Jr., this dialogue among our members is intended to be a larger conversation, one not focused directly or exclusively on the recent controversy, but one certainly influenced by it.
In the coming days and weeks, one webpage
- http://ucc.org/sacred-conversation - will be the repository for resources and information to assist with preaching preparation and worship planning. In addition, you will also find materials that will help your congregation plan and shape opportunities for dialogue in the months ahead.
While May 18 is an occasion for UCC pastors to preach collectively on a common, important theme, it's impossible for a sacred conversation on race to be a single-day event. Instead, pastors and lay leaders are encouraged to begin thinking how the coming months can be used to appropriately plan and organize your congregation's longer-term sacred conversation on race.
We hope these resources will assist you and your church.
The Rev. J. Bennett Guess Director of Communications United Church of Christ